Apparatus for moving articulations



H. G. SANDERS I APPARATUS FOR MOVING ARTICULATIONS Sept. 12, 1944.

Filed Dec. 15, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet-l INVENTOR He/en jofloerrs BY. I W

ATTORNEY P 1944. H. G. SANDERS APPARATUS FOR MQVING ARTICULATIONS Filed Dec. 15, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 In In IN v E Nro R rye/er; BY

( Sande/is Z4444. ATTORNEY Sept. 12, 1944; H, SANDERS 2,358,254

APPARATUS FOR MOVING ARTICULATIONS Filed Dec. 15, 1941 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Y R/fa E e. N E R .Ewim V N kip,

"Sept. 12, 1944. H, SANDERS 2,358,254

APPARATUS FOR MOVING ARTICULATIONS:

Filed Dec. 15, 1941 e Sheets- Sheet 4 \NVENTOR Her/e0 (f 5 ne'er-.5

ATTORN EY Sept; 12, 1944.

H. G. SANDERS APPARATUS FOR MOVING ARTICULATIONS 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 15, 1941 Patented Sept. 12, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR MOVING ARTIC'ULATIONS Helen G. Sanders, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application December 15, 1941, Serial No. 422,964 19 Claims. ('01. 1222- -25) This invention relates to a mechanism adapted to act upon articulated parts of the body.

More particularly the apparatus is constructed to correct defective posture and its attendant harmful results.

In a normal, healthy individual, the body in an upright position has a perpendicular gravity line about which the weight of the body is balanced. This line passes perpendicularly forwardly of the backbone, and the long axis of the pelvis is coincident with it. In such circumstances, the backbone has a graceful curve, departing only by slight undulations from the vertical; the internal organs are properly supported by aid of the skeleton; and these organs are given an opportunity to perform their functions normally and properly;

In many instances however, the posture departs substantially from this desired normal condition. This is usually evidenced by stoop shoulders, and more pronouncedvundulations of the spine, even when the individual is erect. The long axis of the pelvis, instead of being vertical, inclines forwardly. The entire body is misshapen; the positions of the internal organs are disturbed, and physical discomfort and organic interference often result.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide an apparatus adapted to manipulate the human body in such manner as to assist in the restoration of the posture to a normal condition, with its attendant advantages.

.This result is accomplished by moving certain articulations of the skeleton, and causing them to be operated in a cyclic manner, the cycle being repeated quite rapidly over a period of time. For example, these articulation movements may occur as often as one hundred times per minute, although the specific period may be chosen to comply with the desired results.

A number of related articulations are operated substantially simultaneously. Among the important ones are the sacro-iliac articulations of the pelvis. These occur between the sacrum bone and the two iliac-bones of the pelvis. The sacrum is one of the lower bones of the spinal column. Motion of this articulation, to move the iliac bones in a hip narrowing and hip broadening manner, is effected by forces exerted upon the upper legs. Simultaneously, cyclic forces are exerted upon the abdomen to move the entire pelvis. posteriorly and to assist the articulation. At the top of the spinal column, articula tion at. the neck is provided for, so as to permit that portion of the column to flex, properly when the other articulating forces are applied.

It is thus another object of this invention to make it possible to effect these articulations in a proficient manner, and particularly without any discomfort to the subject. This" result is accomplished primarily by motion upon the upper leg muscles, transmitted thereto by the aid of pads contacting the upper or thigh portions of the leg.

It is still another object of this invention to secure these benefits bythe aid of apparatus that periodically operates such pads to cause the pads to turn the upper leg outwardly and upwardly;

this compound motion operatesthe pelvic bones by the aid of the inner leg muscles, known respectively as the adductor muscles. These muscles are thus caused to exert a periodic pulling force, causing the femurs to rotate outwardly. This outward rotation in turn affects the muscle fibers of the ilio-psoas by relaxing them, thus allowing the corrective poste-' rior movement of the three major bone articulation of the body, namely the lumbo-sacral and two sacro-iliac. v

Itis still another object of this invention to improve in general, apparatus of this general character.

This application is a continuation in part of an application filed May 13, 1940, in the name of Helen G. Sanders, under Serial No. 334,815, and entitled: Device for aligning the lower extremities and pelvis.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objects which may bemade' more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of the invention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the present specification. This form will now be described in detail, illustrating thegeneral principles of the invention; but it is to be understood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of this invention is best defined by the appended claims. 7

Referring to the drawings: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of an apparatus incorporating the invention, shown in use in connection with a subject;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic sectional View taken along plane 22 of Fig. 1, and illustrating the manner in which the neck be restrained;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view taken along plane 33 of Fig. 1 and illustrating the of the subject may manner in which the leg pads engage the upper leg of the subject;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1, illustrating the position of the apparatus and the subject in a different position than that illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig- 5 is a diagrammatic sectional view taken along plane 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a side elevation of the apparatus taken from the opposite side to that shown in Fig. 1;

Figs. 7 and 8 are detail sectional views taken along correspondingly numbered planes of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a section taken along plane 99 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken along plane Ill-l0 of Fi 6;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the apparatus, only the head and shoulder portions of the subject being illustrated;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary section taken along,

Fig. 19 is a sectional View taken along plane l9l9 of Fig. 18;

Figs. 20 and 21 are sections taken along correspondingly numbered planes of Fig. 1'7;

Fig. 22 is a detail section taken along plane 22-22 of Fig. 21;

Fig. 23 is an enlarged detail plane 23- -23 of Fig. '15;

Fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along plane -24 ofFig. 6;

Fig. 25 is a sectional view taken 25-25 of Fig. 24; and

Fig. 26 is an enlarged detail of the adjustable lever mechanism illustrated in Figsl 15 and 23.

section taken along along plane In the diagrams of Figs. 1 and 4, the subject I is shown as in prone position upon the tables or rests 2.and 3. The figure of the subject is shown only in diagrammatic fashion, in order more clearly to illustrate the various manipulative movements accomplished by the aid of the apparatus. In this connection attention is also directed to Figs. 2, 3 and 5.

The position of Fig. 1 may be considered to be a beginning position and that of Fig. 4 as the extreme position at which P int the-legs of the subject are flexed to the maximum degree in the cycles performed by themachine. This maximum flexing, as will be explained hereinafter, may be adjusted to suit the" requirements; for after the subject becomes accustomed to the two iliac bones. sacro-iliac;mal-positions and through the conand 9 engage the outer sides of the upper poitions of the legs 4 and 5 respectively. The inner pads l and 8 are slightly angularly displaced downwardly from the pads 6 and 9. In the operation of the apparatus the inner pads 1 and 8 are intended to operate upon the adductor muscles of the upper leg and accordingly these pads I and 8 are made movable so as to rise, and thus lift the legs 4 and 5 to the position illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The legs in this position are flexed; but in addition they have been rotated outwardly upon the outer pads 6 and 9 by the raising of the pads l and 8. Simultaneously with this rotation the outer pads 6 and 9 as Well as the inner pads l and 8 are moved downwardly lengthwise of the subject I toward the feet thereof. Accordingly there is a corresponding exertion of a force upon the vastus externii muscles (which are located at the outer portions of the legs 4 and 5). The combined effect is that the adductor muscles act upon the long leg bone or femur of the leg to rotate the femur outwardly of the body. In turn, this rotation of the femur exerts a force upon the loin muscles, and specifically the ilio-psoas muscles, and particularly where these loin muscles are inserted in the pelvic formation; In turn the forces thus exerted upon these loin muscles operate to move the two an- ,terior superior iliac spines toward each other,

thereby causing a relaxing and spreading move-- ment between the two posterior superior iliac spines, opening a space to permit the return of the sacral bone to its proper position between the This movement thus corrects tinuation of this corrective forcethrough the psoas muscle fibers, the lumbar lordosis is corrected with the resulting realinement of the lumbo-sacral articulation and the abdominal motion of the machine. the motions of the legs can be increased. v

The right and left legs ofthe subject are illustrated by the reference characters 4 and 5 respectively. They are shown as accommodated between the pairs of pads 6! and 8-9. These pads, as will be described hereinafter, are provided with soft yielding faces such as of sponge rubber, so as to provide a comfortable restfor the upper leg portion.

'In the fully extended position of the subject I as'illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, the outer padsB organs.

This cycle of rotation of the femur, etc., is caused to occurby cyclic motion of the pads 6-'l--8- 9.which may occur at a rate of to 1-20 times per minute. Accordingly there is a corresponding flexing and unflexingof the legs at this rate in connection with the movement of the pads. I

In order to form a good support for the lower pelvic regions of the body, use is made of a pad Ill sloping upwardly and toward the lower portion of the body. Ihis pad, shown most clearly in Fig. 10, is made of resilient rubber. It is shown as having a pair of spaced points H adapted to form a rest for the hobby projections (the ischial tuberosities) at the lower portions of the ilia. It may be desirable to insert a supplemental pad, such as sponge rubber or the like, over the main pad- 10. V g

Furtherprovisions for guiding the motion'of the subjects body are provided, by the'aid of foot rests [2- which are hinged as at 13 at'the upper extremity of the rest upon. an'upright M.

The articulation of the pelvic. bones, accom-. plished in the manner heretofore described, is ass-istedby an abdominal pad structure 15 supported in a manner to be hereinafter described.

sist's-in the articulation movements of the iliac bones and exertsaforce upon the internal organs of the body at that region in an upward and rear! ward direction, as the pads, 6+1 and' 8-9 are 7 cyclically moved.

V The lumbar regions of the -body are supported on the sloping rest 3. This sloping rest is mounted so as to be movable; thus accommodating itself to the forces exerted upon the body by the cyclic operation of the pads. For this reason the rest 3 is shown as having rollers l6 mounted thereon which are adapted to roll upon the left hand portion of therest 2 and to be guided thereon by a pivoted link mechanism l1.

As the pads 6-4, 8-9 are cyclically moved, the rest 3 moves slightly as a result of the forces imposed upon the upper portion of the body. In order to provide an articulatory movement of the head about the upper portion of the spinal column, use is made of a neck clamp comprising a pair of soft rubber pads l8 shown most clearly in Fig. 2. These pads engage on the region of the neck remote from the jugular vein so as not to cause any disturbance in the circulatory system. They are held in place on opposite sides of the neck H! by structure to be hereinafter described. 4

The head itself restsin a swinging or hammock-like support 20 supported at the upper extremities of the brackets 2|. These brackets are mounted upon and supported by the aid of the rest 3.

Furthermore, in order to place the muscles of the body in such position that the cyclic movements may be most effective, the arms of the subject I are supported upon the flat rests 22. These rests are adjusted to form arm supports at a comfortable angle to the body.

The flexing and unflexing of the knees and of the joint of the pelvis with the attendant outward rotation of the femur bones are coincident with the resultant cyclic movements of the body between the positions illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4. The defects in posture exhibited by exaggerated curves of the spine, and the improper position of the major axis of the pelvis when the body is in an upright position, are corrected by continued operation of the apparatus. The spine is straightened; the sacro-iliac articulations are rendered flexible and the body is properly supported along a perpendicular line that passes through the major axis of the pelvis. This major axis is such that the tuberosities at thelower end of the pelvis fall perpendicularly below the thigh joints.

The particular mechanism whereby these cyclic actions are rendered effective may now be described in greater detail. The mechanism is shown'in general to best advantage in Figs. 11, and 16, together with auxiliary sections that will be referred to as the description proceeds.

The rest 2 may be in the form of a table having appropriate upright supports 23 (Figs. 1, 4 and 6). Supplementing this rest is a forwardly extending portion 24 provided with the upright supports 25 and the diagonal braces 25, 21. These braces 26 and 21 may be in the form of metal rods and may if desired be integral so as to form a flat upper portion 28. This flat upper portion 28 as shown most clearly in Figs. 1, 4 and 6 may be appropriately fastened as by the fastening means 29 to the extension 24.

In order detachably to join the two portions 2 and 24 of the rest together, the rest 24, as shown most clearly in Figs. 11 and 12, is provided at itsradjacent' edge with a pair of members 30 defining the sockets 3|. Into these sockets are engaged the free depending legs 32 of the U-shaped coupling members 33, that are fastened to the edge of rest 2. I

The pelvis supportin pad l0 which as heret0- fore. stated is made of resilient rubber, is shown asintegral with a base portion 34 (Figs. 1, 4, 6.

- screws 4 I.

11, 15 and 16). it is held tightly upon a sheet metal plate support 35 by the aid of the straps 36.v These straps as shown most clearly in Figs. 15 and 16 are attached to the plate support 35 and are looped through appropriate apertures in the upper portion of the base 34. The plate 35 has forwardly extending arms 31 by the aid of which it may be attached in an adjustable man ner to the main frame 38. This main frame 38 may be a light cast metal member placed upon the top of the rest 2, and fastened thereto by appropriate fastening devices.

For facilitating adjustment of pad lo, the extensions or arms 31 are provided with elongated slots 39. These slots are engaged by the guide screws 40. In order to fasten the pad structure in any desired position corresponding to the position of the particular subject I accommodated on the machine, clamp screws 4| attached tothe frame 38 pass through the slots 39. The extensions-31 may be held in clamped position by the aid of the wing nuts 42 threadedly engaging By loosening these wing nuts 42 the position of the pad 10 may be adjusted to the desired point so that the machine may accommodate shorter or taller subjects as required.

The frame 38 as shown most clearly in Figs. 15 and 16 is provided with the integral upright flanges 43 diverging toward the foot endof the apparatus, illustrated by the portions 44. These flanges are adapted to provide a support for the sheet metal cover'member 45 extending upwardly between the legs of the subject and shown also in Fig. 17. The lower edgeof this cover member 45 contacts the outside edges of the flanges 43 except where there is a widening of the cover illustratedby the projection 46 in Figs. 11 and 1'7. Within the space defined by the cover islocated the mechanism for cyclically moving the pad structures.

The support for both of the outer pads 6 and 9 will now be described. Since each of theoutside pads 6 and 9 are similar, the mechanism associated with but one need be described in detail. As shown most clearly in Figs. 15, 16, 1'7 and 18, there is across head 41 provided in the form of a casting which extends transversely of the frame 38. This cross head is mounted for sliding movement on a stationary guide rod 48 supported in a manner to be hereinafter described. This guide rod 48 passes through a corresponding aperture in the cross head 41. The axis of the rod 48 corresponds to the center line ofthe apparatus and isparallel with the longitudinal axis of theapparatus.

The cross head 41 supports a bar 49 extending transversely below the rod 48. The bar 49 extends considerably beyond the sides of the cross head. Both ends of this bar 49 are turned to-' ward the head of the subject to form the extensions 50. It is on these extensions 50 that the outside pads 6 and 9 may be adjustably' supported. In order to provide a supplemental support for the rod 49 and the extensions 50, a pair: of rollers 5i (Figs. 16, 1'7 and 18) are rotatably mounted upon the rod 49 adjacent the corresponding ends of the cross head 41. They may be held in place as by the bushings 52. They engage the pair ofgparallel metal tracks 53 provided for them on the frame structure 38.

As shown most clearly in Fig. 17, the side extensions 46 of the cover 45 are provided primarily for covering these guide rollers 5| and may be provided' with slots 54 (see particularly Fig; 6) through which the bushings 52 project.

The mechanism for'moving the cross head 41 will be? described hereinafter. For the: present, the description will be confined to the particularmanner in which the pads 6v and 9 are supported on-the extensions 50. In this connection attention is invited to Figs. 6, 11, '15, 16', 1'7, 18 and 19. At the forward end of each'of the extensions58 there is an enlarged portion 55 terminating in the flange 56. This extremity of the extension 58 is shown as axially aperturedand'provided with internal threads for the accommodation of a clamping screw 51. clamping screw hasa handle 58 forming a shoulder 59 that serves-as aclamping surface to hold'a bracket 68 in fixed position with respect tothe flange 56. The contacting faces 6| (Fig. 19)- of the bracket 68 of theflange 56 maybe roughened in order to ensurean effective clamping action. The angular position ofbracket Gil-can thus be adjusted.

The outer extremity of thebracket-serves as a support for the bent rod 62 having a horizontal extension directed toward the-head of the subject. As shown most clearly in Fig. 21, the rod 62* is hollow and is provided with a balljoint seat 63 at its extremity. It is internally threaded for the accommodation of a clamping bolt 64 manipulated by a handle 65. Theshoulder66 of the handle 65 abuts-against the cooperating ball seat 61. Between these two ball seats 63 and 61* is accommodated a ball joint 68 through which there is a large clearance aperture 69 forbo1t64. In this way by loosening of the handle65 theball-joint 68imay be adjusted to a limited extent. This adjustment is provided for the purpose of adjusting the position of the arm lllprojecting transversely of the bent rod' 62. At its extremity this arm 10 is provided with a tubular socket 1 f (Figs. 21 and 22). Inthis socket is accom modated the shank 12 attached'to the sheet metal backing 13 of the pad 6. The pad proper B-Which may be of sponge rubber or the like, is securely cemented to'the sheet metal backing 13.

The shank 12 is so arranged that it is free'tiomovewith respect to the arm 10; and in proper supporting relation to the limb of the subject. Forthis purpose-it is permitted to have a limited angular motion in the socket 1|. Thus the shank 12' has an arcuate slot 14 into which projectsthe inner end of a set screw 15 threaded through thewall of the socket 1|. The arcuate motion of the shank 12 is limited by the inner 'end of the; screw 15, which serves as a stop againsteither wall of the slot 14. In this way the pad 6'is made; self-alining. V

The description of the structure supportingthe pad 6 applies as well to the manner in which the pad 9 is supported. The adjustments pro- .vided make-it possibletoconform the apparatus tothebody of the subject.

Thereciprocation of cross head 41 (Figs; 16

and 17); provides a to-and-fro motionof'the pads-6 and 9. In order to ensure that the upper leg of the subject is held in propenalinement withthese-exteriorpads 6 and 9, use maybe-madeot a thin band 16 (Fig. 17) of flexible-materialsuch as -sheet rubber which encompasses theupper leg and whichis clamped to the corresponding pad 6 0r 9.

vantage in Figs. 1'7; 18' and 20, and includes an Thisclamp is shown to best ad-'- arcuate clamp half "cooperating with a clamp rod 18. This clamp rod- 18 is hinged to the left hand extremity of the-arcuate or'trough-like half 11' as indicated by the hinge pad 19- of 18. The two endsof the band--16 may be laidinto the trough 11 and-the clamp rod 18--maythenbe retated-inwardly" to the position illustrated. The rod 18will beheld in clamped position by the aid of a thimble' 80 slidable' upon the end of the trough '11. This trough 11'may be permanently joined to the upper edge'of the pad structureas by the aidof the bracket 8 I.

Thus in preparing the subject'for using the machine, the flexible band 16 is-first laid over the pad 6 or- S' (as the case may be) and then the band 16'is folded around the leg and the ends then clamped i'nto the clamp structure 11-18.

'The' reciprocation of the cross head 41 and raising of the inner pads 1' and 8 to the position illustrated in Fig. 5'causes in effect a rolling motion of thelegsroutwardly for rotating the femur. This rolling motion is accomplished upon the innersurfaces of the pads 6 and 9'.

'Themanner' in which the inner pads 1 and. 8 are raisedand moved toward the head of the subject at the same time that the pads Sand 9 are moved Willnow be described. As shown most clearlyin Fig. 17, both-of these 'pads- 1 and 8' are of the same general structure as the pads 6' and 9, including a sheet metal backing plate 82. This curved backing plate or supporting member 82 is appropriately fashioned to comply with the form of the pad. These backing plates 82tare each provided with inwardly extending sockets 83 having limited angular motion with. respect to the stub shaft 84. This socket and stub shaft structure is identical with that illustrated in, connection with the angularly movable support for the pads 6' and 8. As clearly shown in Fig, 1'7, the, axis of the shaft 84 is ad.- jacent'- the upper edge of the pads 1 and 8. Accordingly gravitytendsto retain. the pads 1' and- Sinthe downwardly turned position of- Fig. 17.

"The stub shaft 84. is long. enough to formappropr-iate supports at opposite ends of both of the pad. sockets 83-. This shaft. passes throughboth arms 86. extending generally longitudinally ofthe apparatus. These arms 86 are held in spaced apart relation as by the aid: ofthe intermediate sleeve-85- (Fig. 17) disposed between the-arms 85= These arms '86 extend downwardly and tor ward 'thefeet of the subject through'an: ap- QI'OEIiatB'slotffilmed' in the cover 45. 'I'hese arms--86-.-are furthermore formed integrally as portions-of: the-links 8.1. At the angle. formed: -between"the"arm'86. and link- 81', a transverseshaft extends (Figs.1'5,. 16-' and 17). This shaft 8.8' accomm0date's afianged' roller 89;

A guide isformed f'orthe fl anged roller 89- so that asyt'helink '81 movestoward theright as viewed in Fig. 15; the arm '86 is caused tomove toward the right and upwardly. For this purpose an'iin clined track-way orcam is providedupon which-the-roller89 rides. r

The upper portion of this track-way engaging between the fianges of the roller 89*is formed by th'e-*strap "98. The-r-ighthand portion- 0f this strapt'fiextends downwardly-and is attached to the flange 43 formed-on madame-'3 s; ItsIeft hand portion is formed with a feet 9 lsimilarly atta'elied to the frame 38. 'Thelo'wer portionof the guide-for the roller 89 isformedby the bar Sfip'arall'l withthe guide forming portion of the be attached, as shown most clearly in Figs. 15 and 16.

Movement of the link 81 toward the right is caused to occur simultaneously with the movement of the cross head 41 to the right. As this movement progresses, the roller 89 rides upwardly upon the guide 92. Similarly, a retraction of the cross head 41 toward the left as viewed in Fig. 15 will permit the roller 89 to move downwardly upon the track guide 92.

In order to accomplish this motion of the cross head 4'! as well as corresponding motion of *the link 81, use is made of an oscillating link or pitman mechanism. Thus the guide rod 48 serves to guide a cross head 93 which is integrally joined to the cross head 41 as by the webbing 94 disposed beneath the guide rod 48. This cross head 93 is provided with integral ears 95 projecting generally upwardly from the cross head 93. The left hand ends of the links 81 are pivoted in these ears. Accordingly as the cross head structure 4'I93-94 moves on its guide 48 the link 8'! is moved both laterally and angularly with respect to the stationary parts of the ap-' paratus.

Reciprocation of the cross head structure is effected by the aid of power derived from a source of motion such as a small electric motor 96 (Figs. 15 and 16). This electric motor 96 is shown as directly mounted upon the left hand portion of the frame 38 and enclosed by the cover 45. The shaft I08 of the motor is shown as coupled by the coupling 9! to a reduction gearing mechanism enclosed in casing 98. This casing 98 is also secured to the frame 38. The output shaft 99 of the transmission in casing 98 extends laterally of the structure. The shaft carries an eccentric crank pin I connected to a link IOI. This link I0! is pivotally connected to an intermediate point on a rocking lever I02. This rocking lever may be pivoted at its lower end by the aid of a shaft or pin I03 journalled in appropriate standards I04. These standards J04 are secured to the upper surface of the frame 38. The upper end of the rocking arm I02 carries a cross pin I05 to which is pivoted the link I06. (shown in greater detail in Fig. 23) serves to transmit the rocking movement of the arm I02 to a reciprocating movement of the cross head structure 4l93.94, For this purpose the right hand end of the link I06 is pivoted to the cross head member 93.

The link structur I90 as shown most clearly in Fig. 23 includes a pair of ears H0 and III through which the pin I05 passes. These ears I I0 and II I may be fastened as by the screws I I2 to the left hand extremity of the main portion of link I06.

' As the crank pin I00 is given a planetary motion by the aid of the transmission shaft 99, the link IUI serves to rock the arm I02. In turn, the rocking of this arm serves to transmit a thrust or a. pull upon the link I06 which correspondingly actuates the cross head structure.

Theleft hand end of the guide rod 48 for this cross head structure (as shown most clearly in Fig, is supported in an appropriate support I01 fastened to the adjacent surface of the transmission casing 98.

During the process of placing the subject upon the machine, it is necessary to adjust the position of the pads 6-1 and 8-9 manually. For facilitating this adjustment, the motor shaft I08 may be extended toward the foot of the mechanism and may carry a hand wheel I09. By ap- This link I 06 propriate manipulation of this hand wheel the angular position of the crank pin I00 and therefore the pad position of the reciprocating mechanism may be adjusted.

Provisions are made for adjusting the length of the cross head stroke within limits so as to cause a greater longitudinal movement of the pads 6 and 9 as well as longitudinal and vertical movements of the pads'I and 8. For this purpose the arm I 02 is made extensible so as to adjustthe distance between the axis of shaft I03 and pin I05. Thus the arm I02 is provided with a deep upper slot into which fits a nut structure II3 (Figs. 23 and 26). This nut structure I3 has a boss I I4 through which the pin I05 extends. This boss is guided in the slot formed in the arm I02 (Figs. 23, 26 and 27) By moving this nut structure I I3 with relation to the slot II5 formed in the arm I02, the position of the axis of pin I05may be adjusted. As this axis is moved away from the axis of shaft I03 the reciprocating movements are increased; and conversely ifthe axis of pin I05 is moved downwardly toward the axis of shaft I03 the reciprocating movement of the cross head structure is reduced. Accordingly provisions are made for adjusting the position of the nut structure I I3 in relation to the slot H5. For this purpose use is made of a screw I I6 which is threaded through the nut structure. The lower end of this screw H6 is pivotally supported in a small bracket III formed integrally with the arm I02. The upper end of the screw II6 terminates in a knurled hand wheel II8. The-cover 45-is slotted as illustrated mostclearly at H9 in Fig. 11 to 'permit the passage ofthe screw II6 upwardly out of the cover. A plate member I I9 is attached to the upper surface of the nut structure H3 and serves as a supplemental guide for the screw II6.- A compression spring I20 is disposedbetween this plate H9 and the hand wheel H8 in order to eliminate any material back lash between the threads of the screw H6 and the nut H3;

The adjustment of the effective length of the rocking arm I02 is necessary to agree with the particular subject thatv is utilizing the apparatus. A shorter stroke is obviously needed for children as compared with that required for adults and the adjustment may also be necessary to provide the exact stroke found desirable for a particular subject. The ratio of the transmission from the motor shaft to the transmission shaft 99 is such as to provide a cycle of reciprocation about IIO times per minute; but this is subject to the par ticular requirements.

In order that the combined flexing androtary movements of the upper leg of the subject be rendered as effective as possible,some restraint must be placed upon the feet of the subject. As explained in connection with Figs. 1 and 4, the foot support or restraint may be in the form of a foot rest in the form of a slipper or sandal having a hinge I3 at the upper extremity on an upright support I4. The details of these foot restraints gge illustrated to best advantage in Figs. 6, 24 and In general, the slipper or sandal device I2 may be arranged for example with an adjustable strap and buckle. The sole of the foot rest I2 is shown as fastened to the metal plate I2I capable of being swung about the hinge l3. This hinge I3 is supported adjacent the standard I 4. The standard I4 is in the form of an upright metal member attachedto the flange I22 of a bracket I23. This bracket I23 as shown most clearly in Fig 24.

has depending arms- I24 at eachend adapted to engage-the edges'of-a gui'd'e strip I25. There is a right and a left hand guide strip ':I25, 'as shown most clearly in Fig. 11. Thesbrackets' I23 may be moved along the guide-strips I25 to adjust the foot rest to th'e'length of the body. These guide stripsare converged in the manner'to cause the feetof the subject to beheld at a comfort ablespacingw In order to maintain "the guide strips "I 25' in spaced position with respect to the upper surface of frame 38, use is-made of a plural-ity-ofspacers I26 through which the attaching screws I21 may pass. A clamping screw I28 for maint'a'ining'the adjustment of bracket I23 is also provided. This clamping screw is threaded through the bracket I23andengages the top surface of the guide member I25. Thisscrew may be conveniently provided with an enlarged head for manualmaniplation; I

The-'upper'part of the body as'heretofore stated is'inte'n'de'd to be supported upon the rest or slopingtable 3. This table'3 'may be overlaid with appropriate cushioning rubber sheets if desired. Adjacent the lower edge -of the table as heretofore described, brackets I29 are provided for pivotally supporting a pair of spaced rollers I6 (Figs. 1, and'fi). At each side of the rest 3 are provided-the downwardly-depending flanges I30 extending close to the edges of the-main support or rest 2. 7

In order to maintain the rest 3 in the sloping position; useis made of a metal frame I1 (Figs. 6 and 77 This framework I1 is pivotally supported by the bracket I32 to the lower surface of the rest 3.' It"is'likewisepivotally joined to the brackets -I 33 fastened to the floor.

If the subjects body movesupwardly, the roller I5'm'oves' toward1 the right' as viewed in Fig. 6, and the supporting frame -I1 rocks in a clockwise direction.-- A reverse-action occurs when'the upper part ofthe body of the subject movesdown- WardlyJAIthough during this movement there is a slight variation of the slope of the table or support 3, 'thisis inconsequential. Furthermore, byireasonof the fact that the pelvis support I0 is'longitudina'lly :ad'justa-ble with relation to the apparatus and .the"foot"supports or rests I2 are similarlyiadjustable'; it is not necessary to provideany further adjustment ofthe rest '3 in order to adjust the "ap'paratustothe size of the subject. Q 1

The support 3 carries a sling orhammock-like support'20for thehead of the subject. This may be made-from an'appropriatefabric or the like connected between the end bars*I3I; These end bars are pivotally mounted by the aid of the pivot I33 to the top of the standards 2!. These arms :as shown most clearlyinFig. '7 are inte grally joined together by the bottom plate I34. The entire-structure including the sling or support 20 and the standardstr-ucture-2I-I34--can be movedalong the top-of the-table-or support 3. For this purposeuse is made of a pair of parallel round rods I35 (Figs. 6, 7 andll) placed inside the angle formed between the uprights -2I and the connecting plates I 34. It is unnecessary to provide any tight fastening means for the standard 2I'--I34 'as there is no material force tending to disturb its position once the'head of the subject is placed therein. The swinging support serves effectively to permit the head of the subject to move slightly about a neck vertebra as the apparatus is in motion.

As-shown most clearly in Fig. 2, the neck I9 of the subject is confined between the two soft into a hollow rod I50.

rubber pads I 8. These pads I8 are joined by a U-shaped frame including the hollow tube I36 into which telescopes the rod I31. The tube I36 and rod I31 have inwardly directed ends I38 and I39 upon which the pads I8 are respectively mounted. The pads I8 can be brought together or apart and maintained in clamping position by the aid of the set screw I40 passing through the tube I36 and engaging the rod I31.

The neck clamp is furthermore maintained in position by the aid of a pair of straps MI and I42. The ends of these straps are respectively joined to the metal back-plates I43 and I44 respectively for the neck pads I8, and they cross over to loop through the eye bolts I45, illustrated in Fig. '7. These eye bolts are held in place upon the uprights 2!. Both of these straps MI and I42 may be adjusted by conventional buckles I46 so as to maintain the neck restraint in proper position. 7

Reference has heretofore been made to the abdominal pad I5. The support for this pad I5 is shown to best advantage in Figs. 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11. This pad I5 is made in the form of a pair .of lo'bes of general kidney shape as shown most clearly in Figs. 10 and 11: Each of the lobes are provided with a metal backingplate I41 joined together as by a cross strip I48. This cross strip in turn is joined to a hollow or tubular support I49 (Figs. 8 and 9) which telescopes The support I49, however, is axially movable within the guide I50 but it is urged downwardly as by the aid of the compression spring I5I extending between the strap I48 and the flange I52 formed on the lower end of the guide I50.

In turn this guide I50 is held in an adjusted axial position in a hollow supporting member I53. In order to maintain the guide I50 in definite adjusted position with respect to the supporting member I 53, use is made of a hand screw I54. This hand screw is threaded through the outer flange I55 of the guide I53 as well as through the guide I53 to engage a flattened portion I56 of the guide I50. The rod I49 is correspondingly flattened, thereby ensuring against angular movement of the pads I5 about the axis of the supporting guide I 50. i The support I53 is shown as being rigidly attachedto the horizontal portion I56 of a standard having the upright I51 (see also Figs. 13 and 14). The standard and upright may be in the form of pipes mounted in the manner to be hereinafter described.

The particular angular relationship of the axis of the support I53 to the apparatus is best illustrated in Figs. 1 and 4. As the body of the subject I is operated upon by the apparatus, the compression spring I49 creates a force upon the pad structure I5. This force urges the abdomen in the proper direction to obtain the desired effect upon the muscles and organs of the abdomen.

The upright I51 is adjustable longitudinally of the support 2. To serve as a support for this upright .I51, use is made of a frame having an upper horizontal guide portion I58 and a lower horizontal guide portion I59. The portion I 58 is joined to the portion I59 by the depending legs I60 and I6I. The supporting structure I58 and I59'may be attached as by, the aid of the brackets I62 (Fig. 11) to the edge of the support 2. The lower end.I64 (Fig. 1.3) of the upright I51 passes through a slot I63 in the member I58. It is attached by the aid of screws I66 members I12 and I13.

tical movement by the screws or bolts I16 pass-- to a standard I61. This standard I61 is slidable between the upper and lower supporting members I58 and I59. In order to maintain this standard I61 in proper alinement with these members I58 and I59, the standard I61 carries guiding flanges I at the top thereof and guiding flanges I1I at the bottom thereof. These flanges engage the edges of the members I58 and I59.

In order to adjust the position of the upright I51 in relation to its guides, the standard I61 is moved along the guiding supports I58 and I59. It may, however, be clamped in any of it adjusted positions as by the aid of the clamping members I12 and I13. These clamping members are arranged respectively to be urged against the lower surface of the support I58 and the upper surface of the support I59. They are therefore arranged to be movable longitudinally of the standard I61. This may be accomplished b providing slots I14, I respectively in the clamping They are guided for vering through these slots and threaded into the standard I61. They may be provided if desired with friction plates I11.

In order to adjust these clamping members I12 and H3 into clamping position, use is made of a cam I19 mounted upon a pivot screw I88 fastened to the standard I61. The cam I19 may be provided with an operating handle I18. As clearly seen in Fig. 14, a clockwise rotation of handle I18 will release the clamping members I12 and I13. Thereupon the standard I61 can be moved longitudinally of the guidingsupports I58 5 and I59 and correspondingly the upright I51 may be adjusted. After the adjusted position is reached the handle I18 may be turned in a counterclockwise direction for returning the clamping members I12 and I13 to clamping position.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 6, arm rests 22 are also provided. These arm rests as shown most clearly in Figs. 6 and 10, are in the form of flanged flat plates I8I, appropriately hinged at their upper ends upon the horizontal support I56. They may be angularly adjusted as a unit about the support I56 and maintained in that adjustment. For this purpose a strap I82 is attached to the lower surfaces of the arm rests IBI Joined to. one end of this strap is an arcuate member I 83 provided with an arcuate slot I84. This member I83 passes close to the inner surface of the standard I51. A screw I85 passes through the slot I84 as well as through the standard I51.

I85 serves to clamp the arcuate member I83 in any desired position within the limits of the slot The operation of the mechanism has been set forth in detail heretofore. The subject I is placed in position, the various pads and rests being adcorresponding articulatory movements of the pelvic bones effect in combination with the action of the abdominal pad, a correction upon the alinement of the pelvis, as well as of the backbone. Upon continued use of the apparatus at regular intervals, not only is the posture improved but A hand nut I86 engaging the threads of the screw the internal organs are caused. to assume their natural and normal position. V I

What is claimed is:

1. In apparatus of the character described, a pad adapted to engage the inner side of the upper leg of a subject, and means for cyclically moving the pad simultaneously to turn the leg outwardly and to flex the leg about its hip joint.

2. In apparatus of the character described, a pad adapted to engage the inner side of the upper leg of a subject, a pad adapted to engage the outer side of .the leg "opposite said first pad, and a cyclic mechanism for simultaneously moving both pads in a direction lengthwise of the body of the subject, as well as moving the inner pad to cause outward rotation of the leg.

3. In apparatus of the character described, a pad adapted to engage the inner side of the upper leg of a subject, a pad adapted to engage the outer side of the leg opposite said first pad, and a cyclic mechanism for simultaneously moving both pads in a direction lengthwise of the body of the subject, as well as moving the inner pad in a direction transverse to the lengthwise movement,

4. In apparatus of the character described, a pad mechanism forming a rest for the upper part of a leg of a subject, a part of said mechanism being adapted to exert a force on the adductor leg muscle, and means for cyclically moving that part of the mechanism that forms a rest for the leg in such manner as to exert a force on said muscle for rotating the femur.

5. In apparatus of the character described, a support upon which a subject may recline, a pair of pads adapted to engage respectively the inner and outer sides of a leg of the subject, angularly movable means on the support for forming a rest for the foot of the subject, and means for cyclically moving both pads, in such manner that the inner pad exerts'a rotary force upon the leg by lifting motion thereof while the movement of the other pad is substantially entirely lengthwise of the body.

6. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portion of the body, a pair of pads for each of the upper legs, respectively arranged on the inner and the outer sides, and means for cyclically moving both pads simultaneously, the paths of motion of both pads being lengthwise, and only the inner pad having a supplemental motion transverse to the lengthwise motion for imparting outward rotation of the upper leg.

'7. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portion of th body, apair of pads for each of the upper legs, respectively ar ranged on the inner and the outer sides, means for cyclically moving both pads simultaneously,

the paths of motion of both pads being lengthwise, and only the inner pad having a supplemental motion transverse to the lengthwise motion for imparting outward rotation of the upper leg, and a rest for the upper part of the body and movable in such manner as to accommodate the motion of the upper part of the body due to the forces exerted thereon by the pads.

8. In apparatus of the character described, a

rest for the lower portion of the body, a pair of pads for each of the upper legs, respectively arranged on the inner and the outer sides, means for cyclically moving both pads simultaneously, the paths of motion of both pads being lengthwise, and only the inner pad having a supplemental motion transverse to the lengthwise motion for imparting outward rotation of the upper leg, and a pair, of foot supports, movablyyrnounted to accommodate the motion of the feet due to the flexing movement of the legs.

9. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portion of the body, a pair of pads for each of the upper legs, respectively arranged on the inner and the outer sides, means for cyclically moving both pads simultaneously, the paths of motion of both pads being lengthwise, and only the inner pad having a supplemental motion transverse to the lengthwise motion for imparting outward rotation of the upper leg, a rest for the upper part of the body and movable in such manner as to accommodate the motion of the upper part of the body due to the forces exerted thereon by the pads, and a pair of foot supports movably mounted to accommodate the motion of the feet due to the flexing movement of the legs.

10. In apparatus of the character described, a pad mechanism forming a rest for the upper part of a leg of the subject, a part of said mechanism being adapted to exert a force on the adductor leg muscle, means for cyclically moving that part of the mechanism that forms a rest for the leg in such manner as to exert a force on said muscle for rotating the femur, an abdominal pad, and means for urging the pad posteriorly of the body.

11. In apparatus of the character described, a

rotating the femur, an abdominal pad, means for urging the pad posteriorly of the body, and a sloping rest for the upper part of the bod and movable to accommodate motion of the upper part of the body due to the forces exerted by the pads.

12. In apparatus of the character described, a pad mechanism forming a rest for the upper part of a leg of a subject, a part of said mechanism being adapted to exert a force on the adductor leg muscle, means for cyclically moving said mechanism so as to exert a force on said muscle for rotating the femur, an abdominal pad, means for urging the pad posteriorly of the body, a sloping rest for the upper part of the body and movable to accommodate motion of the upper part ofthe body due to the forces exerted by the pads, means adapted to clamp the neck on opposite sides thereof for restraining movement of the head about the points of engagement, and a movable support for the head. I

13. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portions of a body of asubject, and a mechanism, including pads adapted to engage the inner and outer sides of the leg of the body, and to cause a rotary motion of the femur and simultaneous flexing of the leg, comprising an'inner and an outer pad, a common reciprocable support for said pads, and an inclined guide means cooperating with-the inner pad for raising said pad with respect to the rest. a 7

14. The combination as set forth in claim 13, with the addition of universal adjusting means for the inner pad, as well as mean whereby both pads have limited freedom of angular motion.

15. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portions of a body of a subject, and a mechanism, including pads adapted to engage the inner and outer sides of the leg of the body, and to cause a. rotary motion of thefemur and simultaneousflexing of the leg, comprising aninner and an outer pad, a-common reciprocablesupport for said pads, an inclined guide means cooperating with the inner pad for raising said pad with respect to the rest, and a foot support mounted so that it accommodates motion of the foot.

16. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portion of the body, a sloping rest for the upper portion of the body, means for cyclically-flexing the pelvic regions of the body, and means for mounting said sloping rest to ac-. commodate the resultant I motion of the upper part of the body, comprising a roller adapted to roll on a surface in response to the forces urging said rest in a direction upwardly or downwardly of the slope.

17. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portion of the body, a sloping rest for the upper portion of the body, means for cyclically flexing the pelvic regions of the body,

and means for mounting said sloping rest to accommodate the resultant motion of the upper part of the body, comprising a pivotal mounting for the sloping rest, and below said sloping rest, and a roller guide between the sloping rest and the first mentioned rest.

18. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portion ofthe body, a sloping restfor the upper portion of the body, means for cyclically flexing the pelvic regions of the body, an abdominal pressure pad, and means for mounting said pad, comprising a, rod pivoted above the rest on an axis transverse to the rest and extending downwardly toward the rest, and resilient means supported by the rod for urging the abdominal pad downwardly.

19. In apparatus of the character described, a rest for the lower portion of the body, a sloping rest for the upper portion of the body, means for cyclically flexing the pelvic regions of the body, and arm supporting means, comprising a pair of elements pivotally supported adjacent their upper edges on an axis above and transverse to the body rests, and means for angularly adjusting said elements.

HELEN G. SANDERS. 

